Cameroonian opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary is currently under the protection of Nigerian security agencies in Yola, Adamawa State, after Nigeria declined a request from Cameroonian authorities to extradite him, according to BBC reports.
Tchiroma, who contested President Paul Biya’s victory in the October presidential election, claimed he received 54.8% of the vote, compared to Biya’s 53.7%.
He was removed from his residence in Garoua on the night of 28–29 October amid escalating tensions following the election.
Reports indicate that a team of Cameroonian special security officers attempted to abduct Tchiroma on 2 November, allegedly with some involvement from Nigerian security personnel.
Fearing a potential escalation, Tchiroma was escorted across the border into Nigeria, where he is reportedly safe.
In a Facebook post on 31 October, Tchiroma thanked the “loyalist army” for ensuring his safety and protection.
Earlier incidents had raised concerns over his security, including gunfire near his residence on 29 October and the deployment of armed soldiers in Marouare, his neighborhood.
Checkpoints were also set up near his home, which were seen as attempts to restrict his movement.
The Cameroonian government, led by President Biya, maintained that Tchiroma had violated the law by declaring himself the winner of the election before official results were announced.
Biya warned against post-election unrest, stressing that Cameroon could not afford a crisis with potentially severe consequences.
In statements on 13 and 14 November, he reiterated that order would prevail and emphasized ongoing security measures, including extended post-election patrols until 10 December.
Tchiroma has reportedly been moved to Abuja at some point, though his exact current location within Nigeria remains unconfirmed.
The Nigeria Immigration Service did not respond to requests for clarification on his whereabouts.
